Philippians 1:1-2

Introduction:

1. Before examining the specific day-to-day practices of the church, it seems prudent to consider how things are ordered.

2. This lesson will introduce the structure, and subsequent lessons will look more closely at the qualifications and work of each part.

Discussion:

I. Organization: What It Means- Per Webster

A. An organized body of people with a particular purpose

B. An administrative and functional structure

C. The standards and requirements of an organization

D. To form into a whole consisting of interdependent parts

II. Organization: Why It Matters

A. The body of Christ is an organization per the definition.

B. The idea of an unorganized organization is an oxymoron.

C. No organization can fulfill its purpose without organization.

III. The NT Organizational Standard

A. The NT has clear standards for the organization of the church.

B. Someone must be at the head of the organizational structure.

C. Any authority that those under the head wield is delegated.

D. The subordinates of the head exist to fulfill the head’s directives.

E. Jesus is the head over the church (Matthew 16:18; 28:18; Acts 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:15-16; 5:22-24; Colossians 1:18; 2:10, 19).

F. All the subordinates in the church answer to Christ as the Head.

G. All the subordinates in the church exist to fulfill His directives.

IV. The Subordinates of Christ

A. Four distinct roles exist in the church’s organization:

1. Elders (Acts 20:17, 28-31; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

2. Deacons (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

3. Evangelists (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-4)

4. The saints (Ephesians 4:12; Philippians 1:1).

B. All four submit to Christ as the Head (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Conclusion:

1. We plan to look more closely at these roles in the weeks ahead.

2. We all must know our role if we are to properly fulfill it, remembering that it all builds towards edification, benevolence, and evangelism.